Raised by Swans is Canadian solo artist Eric Howden. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Howden chose 'Raised By Swans' as an alias in 1997 following a cathartic dream he had after leaving his previous band; the name relies on a homonym (‘raise’: to rear; to elevate) to convey a simultaneous sense of connection and freedom.
Howden composes his haunting, contemplative songs using a multi-track recorder, guitar, bass, drum machine, and keyboard, meticulously writing all parts for all instruments, as well as all the lyrics. This process contributes to his relatively slow recording and releasing pace.
In a 2013 interview, Howden explained that pride in his body of work eventually overcame his discomfort in referring to Raised By Swans as "I" instead of "we". In his words: "Raised By Swans is and always has been a solo project, not a band. That fact hasn't been made clear in the past, which is wholly my fault; well-meaning but misguided attempts at modesty and inclusion have clouded the truth. I'm honoured to have such gifted musicians alongside me onstage...but if someone else happens to play a part on an album of mine, for instance, they're playing a part I've written."